My Dog is Lost! Now What?

by Gayla on February 3, 2014

Knowing your pride and joy is lost out in the big, dangerous world can be a suffocating feeling, but now is not the time to freeze with worry. The best thing you can do is act fast, getting the word out that your pup is missing; tell as many people as you can.

If you haven’t already prepared in advanced for this unfortunate incident, you need to get moving and fast. Ideally, hopefully you have a network of family and friends that can help you with your search and rescue efforts for your pup. Below are some steps to follow to cast a wide net of people to be on the lookout for your best friend.

Walk/Drive Search:

Send a few people out to walk and drive around your surrounding neighborhood calling for your dog. Be sure they check some of your dog’s favorite places, like local parks, etc.

Create Flyers:

While you someone searches the neighborhood, create a lost dog flyer for your pet. Be sure to include the words “Lost Dog”, a picture of your dog, a brief description (hair color and breed), your dog’s name, and phone numbers for both you and your veterinarian. Make as many copies as you can and post around the neighborhood and hand out to neighbors, asking them to keep a look out for your dearly loved dog. If there is a home owner’s association, provide them a copy of the flier. Many times they will mass email the flyer to everyone in the association which is perfect for you. The more people aware of your lost dog, the better chance you have for a safe return.

Contact Animal Organization:

Spread the word among your local animal shelters, veterinarians and animal control. It is likely that maybe your dog has already been picked up and delivered to one of these organizations. If not, they will at least know that you are searching for your pet, and be able to contact you should someone turn your dog in to them.

Contact Local Authorities:

If your dog has been missing for multiple hours, you can contact your local police or sheriff’s office and let them know of your dilemma. Why they may not send out the search crews just for your dog, they can alert patrol men in the area to keep an eye out.

Keep Searching:

After making flyers and alerting your neighbors, friends and authorities, keep searching for your dog. Do not leave an unattended house; someone should be there in case your dog returns home. While hitting the pavement in the neighborhood, it may be time to spread the search radius further in your city and do not forget to take your lost dog fliers with you.

Once your dog is home; take safety measures to prepare against losing him again. Make sure your dog’s collar is secure and up-to-date tags including yours and your veterinarian’s contact information on them. You may even want to consider getting a microchip implanted on your dog.

The second step is to survey your home and yard to figure out how your dog escaped and resolve that issue. You may even consider installing an invisible fence to help secure your dog on your property.

Thirdly, keep a copy of your lost dog flyer, and a list of the organizations’/authorities’ phone numbers you called so you are better prepared if this happens again.

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